What does mixed methods research involve?

Mixed methods research involves employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect and analyze data. This methodology combines the strengths of both paradigms, allowing researchers to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of a research question. By integrating qualitative insights, which can provide depth and context, with quantitative data, which offers statistical rigor and the ability to generalize findings, mixed methods research can yield richer and more nuanced results.

The combination is beneficial in criminal justice research as it can encompass a variety of data sources and types, leading to more robust conclusions. For example, in studying recidivism rates, a researcher might use quantitative methods to analyze statistical data on rates while also employing qualitative interviews with former offenders to understand the underlying causes and personal experiences behind the numbers. This integrative approach enhances the validity and scope of the findings.

Other methodologies that focus exclusively on qualitative or quantitative research miss the advantages that mixed methods can offer, and merely observational methods would not encompass the full spectrum of data collection techniques available in mixed methods research.